Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Kobel (Meyer) · Y.Couto (Ryerson) · Schlotterbeck (Anton) · Süle (Mané) · Bensebaini (Svensson) · Sabitzer (Chukwuemeka) · Can (Nmecha) · Groß (Özcan) · Brandt (Gittens) · Reyna (Duarenville) · Guirassy (Adeyemi)

Borussia Dortmund relies on a high pressing game using a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and strike quickly before the opponent can react. The team focuses on verticality to move the ball toward the opponent's goal as fast as possible, making them dangerous in transition.

Kobel stands in goal, using his shot stopping and command of the area to maintain the defensive line. The back four operates with a high line to squeeze the space and keep the team compact. Schlotterbeck and Süle play as the central defenders, with Süle using his aerial strength to win headers and Schlotterbeck looking to play out from the back with his passing range. Bensebaini and Y.Couto act as the full backs, where Y.Couto often pushes forward to overlap the winger. This unit works together to defend zonally and move as a single block.

The midfield uses a single pivot with Groß sitting in front of the defense to shield the line and recycle possession. Sabitzer and Can operate ahead of him to connect the defense to the attack. Can works to pick up runners and cover space, while Sabitzer drives the ball forward to break the line. This trio focuses on winning the second ball and providing the link between the back four and the forwards.

In the attacking phase, Guirassy acts as the lone striker to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Reyna and Brandt play as wide attackers, with Reyna cutting inside from the left to create chances and Brandt looking to stretch the defence from the right. The front three press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. Quick combinations and direct passes to the wingers allow the team to hit in behind on the transition.

This formation offers the advantage of pressing high in coordinated waves to win the ball back high up the pitch. The speed of transition is another key strength, allowing the team to move from a defensive block to an attacking position very quickly. Wide overloads are also created when the full backs join the attack to create numerical superiority against the opposition wingers.

Borussia Dortmund uses this 4-3-3 to drive games through high intensity and verticality. It is most effective against opponents that try to play short from the back under heavy pressure.